Trends 2013: spring crops

This spring the skirts are getting longer and longer while the trousers seem to be doing exactly the opposite. The exposed ankle was seen on many runways this season making cropped trousers the Trend hero of Spring/Summer 2013.

They may be desirable and a must-have, but the crops should definitely come with a caution on the label because some can be unforgiving, emphasising on what we’d rather hide and making 98% of us look shorter.

The good news is that we are no longer limited to cigarette style trousers a la Parisienne (the look I personally adore the most), but any shape imaginable, so it’s easy to find the perfect pair.

Go for higher waisted versions in order to lengthen the legs, wide and boy’ish to create a straight line and visually change the silhouette, or boot-cut without side pockets – to balance the wider hips. Be careful with tapered trousers and remember to wear heels, the fashion’s simplest trick to longer-looking pins.

Here I will be sticking with my trusted long-term friends – Patrizia Pepe wide straight black and white Gingham pair that may be a hundred years old, but is just lovely (and very much loved) and recently bought Whistles tailored black cigarettes for colder days.

What about you?

Alberta Ferretti. Cacharel, Phillip Lim, Philosophy Spring/Summer 2013

Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe, Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2013

Paola Frani, Daks, Etro, Fendi Spring/Summer 2013

Tracey Reese, 1A Classe Alviero Martini, Tibi, Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2013

Vanessa Bruno, Carven, Saint Laurent, Chloe Spring/Summer 2013

 

Photo source: Vogue US May 2011, elle.com

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London fashion week impressions

London fashion week keeps growing on me with every passing season. Just a couple of years back I browsed collection on autopilot to get a general idea – Burberry was presented in Milan back then. Now I have a list of shows to look forward to including Mary Katrantzou, Daks, Kinder Aggugini, Burberry, Mulberry, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Roksanda Ilincic and Preen just to name a few.

I must admit, I was very impressed with the way this fashion week was organised. It was wonderfully relaxing and exciting to pop over to LFW website every morning to check the schedule and see which shows I could watch on-line. Of course, I didn’t get a chance to see all the live streams, I managed to catch some of my favourite designers and brands and sort of feel the atmosphere before each show.

Some collections surprised me, others made me feel inspired and moved. There was one (unnamed) show that I found interesting because quite a few pieces reminded me of other collections… Curiously, the review was very positive. Not sure why…

This season the list of favourites included…

…Daks for their simple and understated elegance, white dresses, beaded embroidery and accessories. A couple of pieces looked a bit odd, but I can easily dismiss them for the rest was absolutely perfect.

…Mary Katrantzou for gorgeous silhouettes and stunning prints inspired by postal stamps and coins collected during travels and then lovingly preserved by a child who was into all those things. And you know what? I was that kind of kid, too! Stamps and coins were one of my hobbies and I still have all the albums full of treasured possessions and finds. Needless to say, I loved this collection very much.

… Kinder Aggugini, which was the very first show I watched. I never quite know what to expect from his collections apart from the fact that they are always a mix of rock chic attitude and flirty girly playfulness (flower prints included). I loved the dresses and the prints inspired by Hemingway, Cuba and all things nautical. Taking one of those sweet dresses for a walk in Brighton would definitely be a treat.

… and Mulberry. For the bags, shoes, clothes, beautiful poodle and one of my favourite combos of softness and structure.

Photo source: elle.com, vogue.com

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Summer elegance from DAKS

I wanted to write about Daks Spring 2012 collection ever since I saw it, but talking summer and seaside during cold rainy months felt a bit wrong. It seems that the waiting game isn’t going to be in my favour because the stubborn rain keeps coming back (oh, the unpredictable island-based live we live!), so it’s a now or never time for dreaming of nautical elegance, summer glamour, carefree chic and a few investment pieces.

When compared to many other Spring/Summer 2012 collection out there, Daks didn’t exactly jump out or get crowds talking about it. But then Daks isn’t meant to be worn by crowds but rather women who crave timeless beauty and want to look quietly expensive and comfortable at the same time.

I’ve been in love with their dresses, shirts and long skirts for months now. I can easily picture myself wearing them all the time for years and years, with flat sandals or wedges and a straw bag or leather tote during a day and gladiators and an i-can-fit-in-a-palm-of-your-hand clutch for the evening. Plus a pair of sunglasses and an optional hat.

What do you think?

Photo source: daks.com, elle.com

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